The National tribune., 1887-07-14
EXECUTIVE MANSION,

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WksHINGToS. ID. e.. July 4. 1887.
The hon. Ddrid B francis Mayor aud Chairman:
NV DEAR SIR: When 1 received the extremely
cordial and gratifying invitation from the citizens
of 81 Louis. rendered 10y a number of her repre-
sentative men, To visit that city during the National
Encampment Of the Grand Army of the Republic,
had been contemplating for some time the ao-
ceptance of the invitation from that Organization
10 the effect and had considered the pleasure
which IL would afford me If Il should be possible to
meet not only members OF the Grand Army. but
the people of 81 Louis aud other cities of the West
which the occasion would give me an opportunity
to visit. The cxactions Of my public duties felt To
be uncertain, however, that. when nrst con-
frunied 10y the delegation of which you were the
head eXpested "a do no more al that time than 10
promise the consideration of the double invitation
rendered me. and express the pleasure II would
give To accept tle same, thereafter, II possible
But the cordially and sincerity of your pre>enta-
ton. reinforced by the heartness Of the people who
surrounded Won, SO impressed me that could not
resist the feeling which prompted ne Ia Ass re you
the spot that / would toe with you aud the Grand
Army of the Republic at the time designated. II
nothing happened la the meautime TO absolutely
prevent nay leaving Washington.
Immediately upon the public announcement OF
this conc usion expressions emanating from certain
important members Of the Grand Army of the
Republic, aud increasing In volume and virulence.
constrained me to review my acceptance oi these
invitations The expressions referred to x" To tle
extent of declaring that would tee AN unwelcone
guest at the time aud place Of the National kn-
campneHt. This statement Is based, as well a. l
Judge upon certain official acts Of mine involv-
ing important public interests done under the
restraints aud obligations Of my oath oi Office,
which do not appear IL accord with the wishes of
some members Of tl8e Grand Army of the Republic.
I refuse TO believe that this organization founded
upon patriotic ideas. composed very largely of men
entitled 20 lasting honor and consideration and
whose crowning glory 1t should be that they are
American citizens well veteran soldiers.
deems u part % lis mission Ia compass any object
or purpose 10y attempting TO iulimidale the ENecu
tive cuerce those charged with making aud exc
cutting the laws. And yet the expressions To which
have referred indicate such prevalence OF un-
friendly feeling and such menace TO an occasion
which should Toe harmonious, peaceful and cordial,
that they cinnut be ignored.
beg you To understand that I am not conscious
OF any act OF mime which should make me Tear To
meet the Grand Army of the Republic or any other
assemhlage Of my fellow citizens. The account of
my official Stewardship Is always ready for presen-
isiion TO my couniTymen. ! should not be frank If
failed To confess while disclaimiug all resentment.
that have been hurt 10y the unworthy aud wanton
attacks upon me growing out oi tins matter; And
the reckless manner In which my actions nnd mo-
tives have been misreprescutcd both publicly and
privately, for which, however. the Grand Army OF
the Republic, N body, il by means responsible.
The threat Of personal violence and harm Ia case
j undertake the trip la question, which scores of
misguided, unbalanced men under the stimulation
Of excited feeling have made not even con
sdered. Rather than abandon my visit TO the West
and dsappOlut your citizens might, IL alone were
Concerned, submit To the insult TO which t is quite
openly asserted / would be helpiessly subjected ~
present at the Encampmeut. but should bear with
there the peoples highest Office. the dignity OF
which must protect, aud believe that neither
the Grand Army OF the Republic an organ
izatiOn nor anything like majority OF IT. men-
bers would ever encourage any scandaious
attacks upon il. II. however. among the mem
bership of this body there some certainly
seems 10 Lo The case. determined 10 denOunce me
aud my official acts at the National Encampment,
i believe they should be permitted Ia do 80 unre-
strained 10y my presence guest OF their
organization or "A guest Of the hospitAble
oty in which their meeting i held. A number
of Grand Army Posts have sig'itiicd their iuten-
tiou. am informed, To remain away from the En-
cAmpuett 10 case ! wish the city at that time.
Without considering the merit of such an excuse
ieei that ought not u be the cause Oi such nonat
tendance. The time aud place OF the EuCampment
were fixed long before my INVITATIONS received.
Those dcsirous 10 participate ia its proceedings
should be first regarded. and nothing slOuld be
permitted TO interfere with their intentions.
Another confederation Of more Importance than
all Others remains To toe noticed. The fact
ferrrd - by you when you verbally presented the
Invitation Of the citizens Of ~. Louis thai the
coming Eacampment of tbc Grand Army of the Re-
public would Ice the first held iu Southern state.
| suppose this fact mentioned : "a pleasing
incident t. the iTaeTual feeling last gaining ground
throughout the entire land aud hailed 10y every
patriotic citizen earnest that the Union has
really and iu fact been saved IL sentiment aud
la spirit with all the beneais IL vouchsales to a
uHlltd people.
I cannot rid myself Of the belief that the least
discord this propitiuus occasion might retard
the progress of the sentiment OF common brother
hood which the Grand Army Of the Republic has 20
good an opportunity to Increase aud foster. 1 GER
tlnly ought moi 10 be the Of such discOTd in
aay evcnt or upon any preieKL IL seems to me
AihA you NAii1'tiS % - ipuls arc sitiiCu
io this unrcseryed saein of the conditions which
have constrained me TO fOrego my contemplated
visit aud 10 Withdraw my acceptance OF your in
viIation.
Ny presence In your city at the time you have
indicated Toe of little moment compared with
the Importance OF IA cordial aud harmonious
entertainment Of your other guests. ] assure you
that abandon my plan without the least personal
feeling regret. constrained thereto 10y IA sense Of
dIty. HCtuatcd 10y desire to save any emLarass-
10 the people Of 81. Louis or their expected
guests. and with heart full of grateful Bpprecia-
liou of the sincere and unaffected kindness OF your
citizens.
Hoping the Encampmeni may be an occasion Of
much useiulne-s aud that it's proceedings may H.
lustrate the highest patriotism of American cit-
ship, am, yours, very sincerely,
GROVER CLEVELAND.